Impact of intercropping on morphological growth pattern of Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) under Psidium guajava based agroforestry system

Abstract

The current research entitled "Impact of Intercropping on Growth and Productivity of BHRINGRAJ (Eclipta alba) Under Psidium guajava Based Agroforestry System at Kanker" was conducted during 2024-25 at experimental field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kanker. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The test plots were established within a mature Psidium guajava plantation. Each plot measured 2 x 3 meters, and plots designated for intercropping (T1-T7) were designed to have an equal number of trees, ensuring consistent shade and resource competition across treatments. The eighth treatment (T8), serving as a control, was located in an open area to observe the growth of Bhringraj as a monocrop. Growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, and collar diameter, were significantly affected by the organic nutrient sources. The highest growth was consistently achieved with the 100% Mahua cake application (T6), which recorded a maximum plant height (65.15 cm), number of leaves (69.90), number of branches (48.98), and collar diameter (0.48 cm). This superior performance is attributed to the synchronized and prolonged release of nutrients, especially nitrogen, from the Mahua cake.